2025 Lexus IS vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the dependable performance of the 2025 Lexus IS and the slick efficiency of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA can be tough, especially when balancing price and running costs. The Lexus IS starts at a slightly lower MSRP of $40,535, offering 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque with a standard RWD layout. However, that power comes at an efficiency cost; the Lexus returns only 25 combined MPG requiring premium fuel. Conversely, the Mercedes CLA, priced higher at $42,750, boasts significantly better fuel economy at 30 combined MPG, helping offset its initial price difference over time due to its FWD setup. While the Lexus is slightly larger overall at 185.4 inches long versus the CLA's 184.6 inches, the Mercedes edges out the Lexus in usable space with 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the IS's 10.8 cu ft. Buyers must weigh the Lexus's inherent power and established handling feel against the CLA's superior miles-per-gallon figures.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA wins for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG versus the Lexus IS's 25 combined MPG.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The Mercedes-Benz CLA offers a slightly larger trunk with 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Lexus IS's 10.8 cu ft.
2025 Lexus IS
The 2025 Lexus IS appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 241 hp and standard rear-wheel drive orientation.
2025 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS wins on initial outlay as its $40,535 MSRP is $2,215 less expensive than the Mercedes-Benz CLA's $42,750 starting price.
Choose the Lexus IS if...
- You prioritize slightly more immediate power, benefiting from the 241 hp produced by the Lexus IS.
- You prefer the handling dynamics associated with a standard rear-wheel drive platform.
- Saving $2,215 on the initial purchase price ($40,535 vs $42,750) is a major factor.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- Maximizing fuel economy is key, given the CLA's 30 combined MPG versus the IS’s 25 combined MPG.
- You need a little extra storage space, as the CLA provides 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer the control offered by a front-wheel-drive configuration for all-weather driving.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus IS | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 184.6" |
| Width | 72.4" | 72.0" |
| Height | 56.5" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 110.2" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5200 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/31 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 365.4/539.4 mi. | 351.0/486.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.4 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 10 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.2 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.8 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.9 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 32.2 in. | 33.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.4 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/45R18 | 225/45R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus IS and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Which car costs more to operate daily in terms of fuel?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is definitely the cheaper running mate, achieving 30 combined MPG compared to the 2025 Lexus IS’s 25 combined MPG, meaning fewer stops at the pump.
How do their performance numbers truly compare?
The Lexus IS holds a clear advantage in raw power, delivering 241 horsepower, while the CLA produces 221 horsepower, although both share the exact same 258 lb-ft of torque.
Is the difference in drive type significant?
Yes, the Lexus IS uses traditional rear-wheel drive, often preferred for balanced performance, whereas the Mercedes-Benz CLA comes standard with front-wheel drive, which typically benefits stability in slick conditions.
Are both vehicles happy running on regular gas?
No, both models strictly require premium unleaded fuel, so neither car offers the flexibility of using cheaper standard gasoline.
How much difference is there in size between the two sedans?
The dimensions are very close; the Lexus IS is marginally longer at 185.4 inches compared to the CLA's 184.6 inches, but the CLA has slightly more height at 56.7 inches.
Which car has the slightly bigger trunk for groceries?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA offers 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space, giving it a minor edge over the 2025 Lexus IS, which is rated at 10.8 cubic feet.
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